Food52 Review: This dish is completely a sum of its fresh flavors, and the quality of ingredients is absolutely key. The proportions went well together, and I liked the olives against the fresh tomato. It's a cinch to pull together, and worked great for a summer night dinner. —Omeletta

Serves: 2

Ingredients

6
ounces spaghetti

2
tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (or more)

1
clove fresh garlic, minced

4
heirloom tomatoes, any variety, cut into bite-size chunks

12
olives, a mix of green and black, coarsely chopped

4
ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into bite size chunks

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

A handful of basil leaves, thinly sliced

In This Recipe

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients, except basil, in a large bowl (large enough to hold the pasta too) and gently stir to combine.

Season raw sauce to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
When pasta is al dente, scoop the pasta directly over the sauce and gently toss to combine.

Add more olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle basil slices over the top and serve immediately.

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5 Reviews

I know a version of this "alla cieca", the blind lady's spaghetti. Was always told this was what Italians took to the beach in the summertime. I just put good oil, raw tomatoes and garlic and lots of basil in a large bowl and dump the freshly drained spaghetti on top of it. Longer it stands, better it gets.

Another way to do this is to place a large heavy bowl with tomatoes and garlic right over the pasta water pan. As the water heats, the tomatoes warm slightly and release their juices--especially heirlooms. I read it somewhere years ago and it's been my favorite summer dish since.

Made this the other night when I was flying solo with the kids and wanted a simple and delicious meal. It was the perfect destination for the giant heirloom tomato that I needed to use. I didn't have basil but added baby spinach, letting the residual heat of the pasta wilt it. So good!